2021 Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finalist Sarah Verhelst


Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? What are their lifetime earnings?
I will either ride my gray mare Big Iron or my bay gelding Stoney? I won around $9,000 on each of them in 2021.

What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths?
Big Iron is very temperamental with a big stop. Stoney is a great scorer and runs hard.

When did you start competing in breakaway?
I started going to Junior NRA’s when I was about 10 years old.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines?

We raise all our own horses. Most of them have Doc O Dynamite and Paddys Irish Whiskey bloodlines.

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)?
When I am home I try and do 21 day Fix and weight lifting. Horses get used on the ranch to keep them fit.

When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books?
I like to listen to sports psychology books and talks.

Do you have a rodeo idol and reasons why?
My Dad Jim Scott is my rodeo idol. He won the Montana Circuit year end in the calf roping and won the All Around, Saddle Bronc, and Calf Roping for the Circuit Finals rodeo. He taught me hard work and how to be a student of roping.

Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road?
Good restaurants

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig?
My husband KC and my kids; Paisley(12) Quill (10)Hawkins (6). Jacey Fortier and Anna Callaway.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2021 circuit finals?
My favorite rodeo week was over the fourth of July. I placed at Belle Fourche, Killdeer and Cody.

How do you juggle family life while on the road?
My husband is a pickup man so it has been really fun that they have added to breakaway to the Circuit rodeos. We try and go as much as possible as a family. If we do end up going different directions I try and take at least one of the kids with me.

What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in?
I home school my kids so that is a pretty full time job. On our ranch my sister and I ultrasound all of our horses and cows and manage the horse breeding program.

The Run Down
Saddle: Faith saddle
Pad: whatever is cheap
Leg Gear: Anything
Bits: Kerry Kelly, Balding, Blessing
Rope: Webb or Willard